Whitewater Rescue for Rafters, Cherry Creek Review & Beaver Boards | Gear Garage Live Show

This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater.

In this episode of the Gear Garage Live Show, Zach digs into the growing focus on whitewater rescue training for rafters, breaks down a viewer’s Cherry Creek catboat run, and answers questions about beaver boards, dance floors, and GoPro mounting. Along the way, he explains why different boating communities need different rescue curricula and shares practical tips for setting up a gear-friendly frame system.

Episode Summary

Zach opens with a deep dive into the difference between traditional “swiftwater rescue” for first responders and the type of whitewater rescue that rafters, guides, and private boaters actually need. He explains how NWRC is separating guide-focused Rescue 3 courses from private-boater Class III Safety & Rescue Clinics to deliver better outcomes. The episode then shifts into a catboat video review from California’s Cherry Creek—highlighting oar shipping, downstream hazards, and why catboats can be both forgiving and deceptive. Additional questions touch on beaver board construction, marine-grade plywood, handling sketchy rescue situations, and Rivtech-style experimental raft designs.

Highlights

• Why mixing guides, firefighters, agency staff, and private boaters into one rescue course produces poor outcomes.
• How NWRC differentiates whitewater rescue for guides vs private boaters—and why prevention is the heart of safety.
• Cherry Creek breakdown: oar shipping, Miracle Mile timing, risky swim lines, and where catboats forgive bad angles.
• How Zach mounts his GoPro using a SUP paddle and handlebar clamp for stable rafting shots.
• Beaver boards and dance floors: marine-grade plywood, alternatives, and why regular plywood works for most private boaters.
• Evaluating Rivtech-style rafts and other “bathtub” hull experiments in modern whitewater design.

Gear Mentioned

• SUP paddles and GoPro handlebar mounts.
• Marine-grade and standard plywood for beaver boards.
• Pins and clips, oar rights, and catboat frame setups.
• Experimental hulls like Rivtech drop-stitch rafts.

Related Resources

• NWRC Rescue Courses – Whitewater rescue for guides and private boaters.
• Whitewater Guidebook – Submit questions, find river beta, and explore safety articles.

Wrap-Up

Thanks for tuning in! Whether you’re curious about rescue training, working on your frame setup, or studying lines on Cherry Creek, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay safer and sharper on the river.

Connect with Us

Catch every new episode of the Gear Garage Live Show by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. For rafting trips, guide training, and expert resources, visit Northwest Rafting Company and the Whitewater Guidebook.

Hosted by Zach Collier | Produced by Northwest Rafting Company